OXNARD—On June 29, 2018, at 4:21 PM Oxnard Police Department officers responded to Yale Street and Highland Avenue to investigate a citizen’s report of several gang members loitering in the area. Officers arrived and observed seven subjects with open containers of alcohol.

During the investigation, officers attempted to search Filemoni Aloese but he became uncooperative. After subduing Aloese, a 9-shot 22 caliber revolver was located concealed in his waistband. Officers then searched Rodolfo Raya and found a hammer concealed in his waistband in addition to a methamphetamine pipe. Another firearm was located in a red Nissan Sentra parked next to the group. The gun was retrieved and found to be a 22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The vehicle was determined to belong to another member of the group, Russell Escalona. Aloese and Escalona were arrested for the firearms-related charges and Raya was arrested for the concealed weapon as well as the drug paraphernalia.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to report any suspicious behavior. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).